Why Copenhagen

Studying abroad will take me out of the country, out of my comfort zone, and out of anything I have ever imagined.

I’ve heard that the people in Copenhagen are among the happiest in the world. I’d like to join them.

One of my dearest friends spent a semester in Copenhagen, and came back an even bigger asset to my inner circle, and to herself.

WHAT ALL THIS MEANS FOR ME, I HAVE YET TO DISCOVER.

I hope to fill this blog with experiences, relationships, and wisdom that will bring me closer to balance and harmony.

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SEPTEMBER 23: As I continue to spend time in Copenhagen, I am learning about myself and the culture I am joining. The Danes are very health conscious, smart consumers (of everything they eat, buy, and entertain themselves with), and generally trusting. What this means in an American context, I am not entirely sure. It may be unrealistic to adopt Danish attitudes in America (for example, being health conscious enough to bike everywhere), but for now I can include them in my lifestyle and assess how they make me feel. So far, so good!

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OCTOBER 20: After a month of time in Copenhagen and other European cities, I am beginning to gain a broader knowledge of the European lifestyle. Even meeting other students studying in other countries has made me think about Copenhagen in a different light. I am happy to call this city home. It is safe, beautiful, and most importantly, realistic. Copenhagen admits that it is not a tourist destination (in the same sense as Rome would be, for example) and does not try to become that. Instead, the focus here is on taking care of the residents, building a functional beauty that can sustain the relaxed, no nonsense lifestyle of the Danes. I don’t feel like a guest anymore. It feels like home.